Committee Advances Jewish War Chaplains Resolution and Safeguards for GI Bill Students

May 13, 2011

Press Release

WASHINGTON, DC–Today, the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs favorably reported six pieces of legislation (H.R. 1407, as amended; H.R. 1484, as amended; H.R. 1627, as amended; H.R. 1383, as amended; H.R. 1657; and H.R. 802, as amended) for full House consideration.

“This Congress is finally on the path to recognize the sacrifice of America’s Jewish Chaplains who have served this country honorably beginning with Lieutenant Alexander D. Goode. Lieutenant Goode, and the 12 Chaplains who followed in his footsteps, chose the welfare of others over themselves,” said Rep. Jeff Miller (FL-01), Chairman of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs.

“We are hopeful that through this new legislation and the placement of the Jewish War Chaplains monument at Arlington National Cemetery, all Americans will know the inspiration these men provided to thousands of our soldiers. I am also pleased this legislation creates a framework for the consideration of future monuments on the hallowed grounds of Arlington,” continued Miller.

Also included in the legislation headed to the House is an annual Veterans’ Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA), enforceable penalties for the misrepresentation of veteran-owned businesses, and new provisions to correct deficiencies in the Post 9/11 GI Bill.

“During World War II, Congress held three weeks of hearings, called more than 50 witnesses, and solicited the input of numerous federal agencies to get the original GI Bill right. Unfortunately, that was not the case when Congress passed the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Improvements Act of 2010. We are, therefore, striving to deliver what was promised to our GI Bill student veterans,” Miller stated. “My bill will ensure that veterans attending private schools who are already enrolled will be able to finish the education they began.”

It is expected the legislation will come up for vote in the House on May 23, 2011, one week before Memorial Day.

Today Chairman Jeff Miller released the following statement after Rep. Phil Roe was elected by the Republican Steering Committee to serve as House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs chairman for the 115th Congress.